France continues their quest to become back-to-back World Cup champions when they take on Morocco during the semifinals on Wednesday at Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar.
Morocco will look to continue their Cinderella story after defeating Spain and Portugal during the knockout stage. They are the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.
France enters the match as a massive favorite, fresh off a victory over England, with Golden Boot leader Kylian Mbappé leading the way for Les Bleus.
Can the Atlas Lions find a way to pull another upset? Or will France find their way to the finals for the second consecutive World Cup? Let’s look at current betting lines to determine best bets and make a match prediction.
France vs Morocco Odds
- 3-Way Handicap: France (-195) | Draw (+285) | Morocco (+600)
- Draw No Bet: France (-600) | Morocco (+400)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (+125) | Under 2.5 (-160)
- Both Teams To Score: Yes (+140) | No (-180)
France vs Morocco odds are current as of Dec. 12 on Caesars Sportsbook.
Sportsbooks have Les Bleus listed as a strong favorite in their match against Morocco, which comes as no surprise. The French side is a well-oiled machine, even with multiple key injuries.
There does not seem to be a worthwhile wager on a straight victory for France, so unless you are betting on the underdog, you will need to combine props to see a decent profit.
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France vs Morocco Prediction
France 2-0 Morocco
France has taken their opponents’ best shot during their World Cup run and has been able to bounce back each and every time. Les Bleus have arguably the best player in the world in Mbappé, along with Antoine Griezmann, who has created more scoring chances than anyone at the World Cup.
Mbappé has not gone consecutive international matches without scoring since the 2020 Euro tournament, netting 16 goals in his last 16 games. France was able to defeat England without the FIFA cover athlete reaching the back of the net, but he is a strong bet to do so against Morocco.
If French captain - and goalkeeper - Hugo Lloris is able to put forth a strong performance, Les Bleus should cruise to victory.
If the Atlas Lions are going to pull off an upset, it will be due to an outstanding defensive effort. France is vulnerable to a counterattack due to their open style of attacking football.
Youssef En-Nesyri was able to take advantage of this same weakness when the Atlas Lions defeated Portugal.
It should also be noted that Morocco has been treated to somewhat of a home-field advantage so far in Qatar, with their fans filling each stadium to support their nation.
The Atlas Lions will be without captain Romain Saïss, who was stretchered out with an injury against Portugal.
In addition, Morocco will be missing striker Walid Cheddira in the semi-finals after he received two yellow cards against Portugal. However, this is not expected to be a noticeable loss for Morocco.
France vs Morocco Betting Tips
- France lost their first three World Cup semi-finals but have been victorious in their last three (1998, 2006, 2018).
- It has been 84 years since a European nation reached the World Cup finals as reigning champions (Italy, 1934 and 1938).
- France’s all-time leading scorer, Olivier Giroud, could become the oldest player to score five goals in a single World Cup.
- France has won all 10 World Cup matches that Mbappé has started.
- Griezmann has created the most chances of any player at the 2022 World Cup (17).
France vs Morocco Best Bets
France Win First Half/France Win Second Half (+350) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
I expect France to control this match from whistle to whistle. The Atlas Lions are dealing with one too many injuries to overcome the French attack, and I anticipate Les Bleus reaching the back of the net in each half while collecting a clean sheet.